OREANDA-NEWS. October 21, 2011. President of Latvia Andris Berzins delivered the opening address at the 3rd international regional railroad business forum, “Strategic Partnership 1520: The Baltic Region.” The forum focused on the interaction mechanisms of the “1520” and “1435” railroad systems in the context of the development of the transport business in the Baltic region.
 
“This is a very important era for Latvia and the Baltic States,” the President said in his opening remarks. “After 150 years of railroad operations in this territory, we must now choose the best future strategy in terms of where and how we must develop the systems further.”
 
The President also said that the forum is an example of successful co-operation. People can exchange experiences and find the best solutions individually and together. Mr Berzins insisted that a lack of harmony in railroad operations is too expensive – something that can be seen in an issue that has been of importance for the past 100 years. That is the fact that some railroad tracks are 1520, while others are 1435 mm wide. The President also insisted that it is professionals who must debate the best future strategy for railroad operations, adding that politicians, then, are the ones who must take a sensible final decision.
 
At the conclusion of his address, President Berzins said that he hoped that the forum would be successful in pursuit of the major goals which are in place.
 
The regional business forum “International Partnership 1520” has been held every year since 2006. The forum attracts directors of “1520” and “1435” railroad administrations, major freight transporters and operators, owners of cargoes, as well as people from banks, the investment sector, as well as applied business and scientific organisations.